For Rakesh Chaurasia, the flute is his best friend, something that keeps him “balanced and alive”. As the globally renowned flautist tours India, he believes live concerts have become something more than an interaction between an artiste and the audience — they remind people of the beauty of authenticity in today’s world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and fabrication. In a chat with mid-day, Chaurasia discusses the changing concert landscape and the perils of AI.
Excerpts from the interview.
What motivates you to perform live after all these years?
Live concerts are a lifesaver for performing artistes. In this world of AI, you never know what you are listening to — whether it is the person actually playing or something fabricated. Live music is still safe. Whatever mistakes happen, they happen in front of people, and you correct them. The energy, positivity, and connection you get from the audience are the biggest motivation.
Has AI affected classical musicians like you?
I have heard that my uncle Hariji’s [Hariprasad Chaurasia] and my tone have already been taken. If everybody starts sounding like Lataji [Mangeshkar] or Kishore Kumarji, then there is no individuality. Inspiration is different from becoming a carbon copy. We need guidance from legends, but we must polish what is within us and present that.
Has the audience changed over the years?
In the last few years, I’ve seen more young people attending classical concerts. I was recently in London and was surprised to see so many youngsters in the audience.
You had earlier said that you used to think playing a flute was easy, but then your perspective changed.
People think it’s just a piece of bamboo. Even I thought playing the flute was easy when I was four, but then I grew up. Now, after so many years, I realise how difficult it is. It needs a lot of breath, lung power, and inner energy.
What excites you about stepping outside your comfort zone?
I am always searching to learn something new. Collaborations force you to adapt. That curiosity comes from Hariji. He never stopped us from experimenting. Music has only seven notes. Even today, with all the progress, nobody has found an eighth note. It’s something God has kept in his own hands.
Your music often leaves listeners feeling calm. Is that intentional?
Legends like Hariji and Zakir [Hussain] bhai always said, ‘Play for yourself first. If you enjoy what you are doing, the audience will enjoy it too.’ Earlier, artistes wanted instant applause. With maturity, you realise music should first please your own heart.
One lesson you learnt from your uncle, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: I have never seen him get angry. He believes that anger ruins your performance. I learnt to keep myself calm, avoid arguments, and focus only on what I want to do on stage
